General
hot rod
What does hot rod mean?
By extension, a person who drives recklessly fast.
"Slow down, you hot rod, before you wreck us all."
Origin
1930s-40s Southern California car culture coined 'hot rod' for stripped-down, hopped-up cars, and it became the beating heart of 1950s greaser and teen culture. The term may derive from 'hot roadster' or from the hopped-up engine 'rods.'
Frequently asked questions
What does hot rod mean?
A hot rod is a car stripped down and modified with a more powerful engine for speed, central to 1950s greaser and racing culture.
Where did hot rod come from?
It originated in 1930s-40s Southern California car culture and exploded in the 1950s; the name likely comes from 'hot roadster' or hopped-up engine rods.
Can hot rod describe a person?
Yes — it can also mean a reckless, speed-loving driver.
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